Ultra Early Seeding of Spring wheat

Funded by:

Duration:

Canadian Agriculture Partnership Program & Alberta Wheat Commission

2020-2022

Khalil Ahmed PhD., P. Ag.
manager@battleriverresearch.com

Background:

Previous research reported that the ultra-early planting of spring wheat at soil temperatures of 2 to 6 0C has the potential to increase yield, improve grain quality, and result in earlier maturity. It may have the extra potential advantage(s), such as the reduction in herbicides use and diseases with a wider window of harvesting (Collier et al., 2020).

Objective:

To compare the effects of Eltar early seeding with Normal seeding date on the yield and quality of Spring Wheat.

Methods:

Last spring, a research project was initiated to find out the benefits of ultra-early planting of spring wheat in east-central Alberta. The experimental site was established in Forestburg, AB, by the Battle river research group. Two early-maturing spring wheat varieties (AAC Brandon and AAC Connery) were assessed for the impacts of three seeding rates (1.2, 1.75, 2.5 bu/ac) and two seeding dates (April 13, 2019, and May 14, 2019 ).The soil temperatures were recorded 40C and 70C in April and May, respectively, at the time of seeding.

Results

There were undetermined differences were observed on the yield quantities within seeding dates and seeding rates; however, the AAC Connery yielded more than AAC Brandon. A similar outcome was recorded for maturity and protein content, as shown in the figures (Figures1, 2, and 3). The wheat protein content and TKW were higher in early seeding dates (April 13, 2019) with the combination of the highest seeding rate of (2.5 bu/ac). The grain yield and maturity were not significantly different within seeding dates and rates.

The one-year results are not enough to draw conclusions from; therefore, the experiment will be continued for two more years before any solid recommendations can be made for the region.

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